Breckenridge Texan

The Picketville Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas honored two citizens of the early Texas Republic with a medallion memorial service Sunday, April 27, at Breckenridge Cemetery.

Donna Irby, left, and Darla McLeod unveil the Republic of Texas Citizen Medallion on the headstones on the grave of John Love Davis Sr. in the Breckenridge Cemetery. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

The ceremony recognized James Marshall Alexander and John Love Davis Sr., both early Texas settlers whose families played significant roles in the Republic’s history.

Chapter President Darla McLeod presided over the event, which began with a service at the cemetery chapel before proceeding to the gravesites for the medallion unveilings.

“Texas history is written in the blood, sweat and bravery of those who lived, fought and died to achieve the independence of Texas,” McLeod said, quoting a passage selected by event organizer Nancy Clifton.

Clifton, who serves as chapter registrar, researched the historical connections between the Alexander and Davis families, revealing their intertwining histories that began in San Augustine County during the Republic era, from 1836 to 1846.

The ceremony drew several descendants of both families, including Wayne Alexander and his wife, Susan. The relatives received small Texas flags during the recognition.

“None of us really knew our great-grandfather,” said Ron Alexander, expressing appreciation for the honor bestowed on his ancestor. “We certainly appreciate the honor that you’re giving to him today.”

Nancy Clifton explains the history of the families of the two men honored with the medallions. John Love Davis Sr.’s picture is displayed on the podium as she speaks. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

James Marshall Alexander was born on Dec. 1, 1843, in Kaufman County in the Republic of Texas. He was the oldest of six boys born to James Leander Alexander and Minerva Love. After his father died in 1859, James Marshall Alexander continued working on the family farm. He served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1864 and married Isadore Brown on Dec. 5, 1867. Isadore was born just nine days after the Republic of Texas ended when Texas became a state. The couple had six children while living in Kaufman County. After his mother’s death in May 1880, James and his family moved to Stephens County, where he continued to farm. He died on June 15, 1921, and Isadore continued living on their farm until her death on Jan. 25, 1935.

John Love Davis, Sr. was born Sept. 13, 1837, in San Augustine County. He was the oldest of five children born to George Washington Davis and Martha Love Davis. By 1850, John Love Davis was living in Nacogdoches County, and on Oct. 28, 1858, he married Mary Louisa Crawford. They had one child in Nacogdoches before moving to Kaufman County, where John served in the Civil War from 1862 to 1865. He taught school in Kaufman County, and the couple had seven more children. Around 1890, they moved to Stephens County with their younger children. By 1894, their four married children and their families had also moved to the area. Their daughter, Alice, married Breckenridge Stephens “Breck” Walker. After Louisa’s death in 1900, John eventually moved to Denton to live with his daughter Emma. He died there on June 2, 1927.

James Marshall Alexander was born on Dec. 1, 1843, in Kaufman County in the Republic of Texas. His wife, Isadora, was born just nine days after the Republic of Texas ended by becoming a state.

Kenneth Raney, treasurer general of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, addressed the gathering, highlighting ongoing Texas historical preservation efforts, including a $600 million restoration project at the Alamo. He attended the ceremony on behalf of the SRT, as well as for his wife, Carolyn Raney, who is the president general of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Carolyn Raney couldn’t attend the event Sunday afternoon.

“Texas history is alive and well, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are at the center of it,” said Kenneth Raney.

Following scripture readings, pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags, and historical presentations, attendees visited the gravesites of James Marshall Alexander and John Love Davis Sr., where the medallions were unveiled identifying the two men as official citizens of the Republic of Texas.

The event marks the beginning of a larger project by the Picketville Chapter to identify and commemorate all Republic-era citizens buried in Stephens County. Previous chapter members spent years documenting cemetery locations throughout the county, often accessing remote and abandoned sites on private ranchland. So far, the chapter has identified 16 Republic of Texas citizens who are buried in Stephens County. James Alexander and John Davis are the first two honored with the medallions.

A reception at St. Paul’s Methodist Church followed the ceremony.

Click here to see the Breckenridge Texan’s photo gallery from the ceremony.

Darla McLeod, Donna Irby and Linda Boose talk to the crowd gathered at the Breckenridge Cemetery after unveiling the medallion on the headstone of James Marshall Alexander. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Kenneth Raney, treasurer general of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, addressed those at the gathering, highlighting ongoing Texas historical preservation efforts, including restoration project at the Alamo. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: Descendents of the men who were honored with Republic of Texas Citizen Medallions take photos after the unveiling at Breckenridge Cemetery on Sunday, April 27. Click here to see more photos from the event. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)